State of the Tribes Address improves working relationship between state and the eleven sovereign tribal nations in Wisconsin, Hintz applauds budget proposals that invest in tribes.

MADISON – Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi Hill delivered the annual Wisconsin State of the Tribes Address Tuesday at the State Capitol. Chairman Hill’s speech focused on the current and future state of Tribal governments and reserve communities in Wisconsin.

Assembly Democratic Leader Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) expressed his sincere appreciation for the tribal nations that traveled to Madison to take part in this important event.

“Wisconsin’s tribal nations are an integral part of Wisconsin’s past, present, and future. The State of the Tribes Address is a long standing tradition that improves the working relationship between our state government and the eleven sovereign tribal nations in Wisconsin,” Rep. Hintz stated. “Each legislative session, it is an honor to hear from tribal leaders in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.”

“Our state government must be an active partner in working with Native communities and I applaud Governor Evers for the investment his state budget makes in our tribal nations.”

Funding the next phase of the creation of an $8 million, 36-bed youth wellness center to treat opioid addiction for both tribal and non-tribal populations;

Increasing funding in higher education grants for tribal college students, as well as for the language revitalization grants program which go to schools on or near tribal lands to teach tribal heritage languages;

Using tribal gaming revenue to increase funding for tribal family service grants and tribal elderly transportation grants that assist in providing transportation services for elderly persons.

“While we honor and celebrate our tribal history in Wisconsin, we also must address the reality that our Native communities face some of the biggest gaps in opportunity in our state. I am confident we can make strides to improve this with a renewed commitment by our state government to engage with tribal leaders. Assembly Democrats are committed to listening to, investing in, and working with Wisconsin’s tribal communities to build a better future,” Rep. Hintz concluded.